The Nerazzurri, ninth, ended a run of three consecutive league defeats thanks to their stalemate with the Ligurians, who confirmed their top-flight status for another season with the point they gained at the Marassi.

However, the post-match talk centred around the futures of the Inter coach and striker Antonio Cassano - the latter of whom started the clash as a substitute before making an appearance in the second half.

In response to the rumours, Stramaccioni told Sky Sport Italia: "Antonio still has another year left on his contract with Inter. Today he worked hard to contribute. It would be wrong now to talk about this.

"It’s something our directors will discuss, not me. I’m confident in their work. And as for myself, I’ll continue to give 101 per cent for Inter."

Turning his attentions to the match itself, the 36-year-old was pleased with the impact made by the former Sampdoria and Real Madrid forward, and felt that Fredy Guarin's drive in midfield could help inspire a title challenge next season.

"The first positive note regards the way Inter played their game on a level of motivation and character against an in-form team," Stramaccioni added.

"They did it for long stretches and took a step forward in terms of passing and ball possession. During the second half, with the introduction of Cassano, we were more dangerous.

"Guarin is an extraordinary player. He’s a physical force with quality as well, and in addition he’s an important presence in the dressing room.

"As an inside midfielder along with Kovacic and another player we would have a solid foundation for the league title. He’s an exceptional inside midfielder and he’d work very well in a 4-3-3."

"The thing that we’ve lacked this season has been the possibility of working on a foundation that would allow us to have clear ideas with initial growth.

"Four defenders with three midfielders, in the middle of which you could have a high or low pivot, with three up top."